Umerov reports on 25th Ramstein: 6 countries to provide military aid to Ukraine

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov informed.

"We held one of the most important meetings in the 'Ramstein' format, marking another step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. I am grateful to the U.S. and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for their leadership and efforts, which have united over 50 countries to assist Ukraine in its most challenging moment," he stated.

Key achievements of the 25th meeting

Umerov reported on a roadmap for the development of the Ukrainian Defense Forces until 2027, developed within the framework of eight Capability Coalitions: 

• aviation 
• air defense 
• maritime capabilities 
• artillery 
• armored vehicles 
• IT 
• drones 
• demining

"We have moved to a new level of cooperation: in addition to addressing the immediate needs of the war, we will also work on building the long-term capabilities of our army," the minister noted.

Results from partners

The United States announces a new $500 million aid package, which will include air defense missiles, air-to-air missiles, and equipment for F-16 aircraft.

Canada is providing CAD 440 million (over USD 305 million) in aid, including 100 million for the purchase of Ukrainian weapons based on the Danish model.

The United Kingdom, along with NATO allies, will provide Ukraine with 30,000 new drones worth €45 million. The project also involves Denmark, the Netherlands, Latvia, and Sweden.

Norway has allocated NOK 700 million (over USD 61.3 million) for the purchase of drones as part of a multinational initiative.

Germany will transfer 6 IRIS-T air defense systems in 2025 and will soon provide 50 interceptor missiles for these systems.

Iceland will finance the production of Ukrainian weapons under the “Danish model” in the amount of €2 million.

Military Strategy for 2025

Umerov informed that during the meeting, Ukraine presented a strategy based on four key priorities: 

• front line stabilization 
• Ukraine's defense capabilities strengthening 
• strengthening air and sea defense 
• an asymmetric response to the aggressor's attempts to gain an advantage through scale.

Bilateral negotiations

As part of the meeting, Umerov held discussions with colleagues from the USA, Norway, Italy, and the Netherlands. The ministers discussed plans for supporting Ukraine in 2025 and ensuring the implementation of previously announced aid packages.  

During talks with his Dutch counterpart, Ruben Brekelmans, they addressed investments in joint defense projects, including the production of long-range drones, the Ukrainian Defense Minister stated. They also raised the issue of using revenues from frozen Russian assets to develop enterprises producing drone components.

According to the head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, over almost three years of full-scale war, Ramstein members have declared more than $145 billion in security assistance to Ukraine. He called it “the result of the true unity of the free world.”

“Together with our partners, we are building a strong defense of Ukraine, which brings our victory and a just peace closer,” Rustem Umerov emphasized.

• Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin to discuss preparations for the Ramstein meeting and key areas of cooperation.